Whitstable Town FC

THE IRRESISTIBLE FORCE? meets the immoveable object. Or Whitstable Town away to Slade Green on Saturday 14th January. Back in league action then, with a cracking fixture that promises fireworks. The Reds, currently enjoying good form, are unbeaten in their last six away league fixtures and the Green unbeaten in the last five at home at The Small Glen. Our strikeforce will be trying to pick the lock of a defence, starring ex-oysterman Gary Arterton, who have been watertight at home for the last three games. With a full KOFL Premier programme Marc Seager will require three points from his squad to stay on course in the chase for promotion.

Elsewhere in the league, and with particular significance for us, Tunbridge Wells host Erith & Belvedere and Thamesmead Town travel to Sevenoaks. Wells are finding good form lately and have won a couple of league matches to slowly rise up the table while the Deres have lost the last two and must still be reeling from the 96th minute strike that beat them at PVR last weekend. Surprisingly last week, Thamesmead got beat up by Greenwich Borough while Sevenoaks stole the day at Sporting Bengal so we can throw the form book out the window for this one. If Mead couldn't play on the Harrow Meadow pitch I don't think they'll be any more comfortable at Greatness Park. With the Oaks help WTFC might even be able to ease open a gap beneath them in the table this weekend.

The man traps are set for the leading clubs as well, Maidstone United and Beckenham Town both having difficult fixtures. The Stones play host to Hythe Town, even with two goal machines in attendance, Richard Sinden and Mo Takaloo, I predict a tight game. Maidstone have only found the net once in the last three hours, and Hythe are definitely improving after a season disrupted by cup competitions, they have only been missing out on results by the odd goal of late and know they will need to tighten up at the back. Beckenham are on the road at VCD Athletic, should Becks be complacent we should remind them that VCD have won four on the trot and are still in the FA Vase, on the other hand BT put seven past Boro' last time they played at this venue. 4-3 to Vickers last season, should be a great game!

Deal Town should have the 'done deal' of the weekend at home to Erith Town, currently ten games without a win the Dockers seem destined to drop another three points. Five wins on the bounce for Deal means they are in form and could soon threaten the top of the table. On 24 points and with 4 games in hand they could well be a force to be reckoned with at season's end.

It's a shame but once again the weakest game of the weekend is at Sporting Bengal. Greenwich Borough are their guests, Sporting after last weeks 'shock result' are now on a run of nine home games without a win, but, and it's a big but, Boro' have lost their last eight away. On the strength of last weeks results I predict??(Drum roll)? Greenwich will be the winners!

Other news, Lordswood beat Erith Town last night 2-1 which puts Lordswood one point behind the Reds in Group B of the KOF Premier League Cup with one more to play. The final group games are on Saturday 21st January.

The Whitstable Town Reserves play tonight (10th) at Deal Town in the KOF floodlight league and next Tuesday evening in the return fixture, same competition, at the Belmont Road Ground. Come on down for a more relaxed footballing atmosphere and lend the Ressies your support.

Come on you Reds!

Peter Albin. 10th January